My father’s funeral was a pathetic affair.

No flowers, no music—just a simple urn. As a low-ranking Delta, he wasn't even granted the cheapest plot in the pack cemetery. I was walking out, clutching the urn to my chest, when I ran into Domine and Ella.

Domine stopped in his tracks. Ella looked at the urn in my arms and smirked.

"Halen, is this part of the act?" she whispered. "Did you really buy a prop urn just to steal Domine back?"

I gripped the urn until my knuckles turned white. My hands were shaking. "My father is dead."

"Dead?" Ella tilted her head. "How possible？You were just throwing a tantrum because he chose me. Now that you see he didn't fall for it, you're carrying that box around to play the victim?"

I looked at Domine. He stood behind her, his eyes flickering with a moment of doubt.

"Domine..." My voice cracked. "He’s really gone. A rogue bit him; the venom was too much. I begged you. I told you I needed that Silvermoon Flower."

"He’s dead, and you still don't believe me?"

Domine’s throat moved as he swallowed. I saw it—that flash of pity. For a split second, looking at me standing there with my father’s ashes, he wavered. Three years of history doesn't just vanish.

I remembered when he was just a "regular Delta" living in a shack. When my father found out we were dating, he wasn't thrilled, but he accepted it. He even invited Domine over for dinner. My father made a feast out of the best ingredients a commoner could afford. Domine ate every bite, praising my father's cooking.

My father was so happy he brought out his private stash of Moonlight Wine.

"Domine, my biggest regret is not being able to give Halen a better life," my father had said, voice thick with drink. "You have to take care of her, okay?"

"I will, sir," Domine had said, gripping his hand. "I’ll take care of her for the rest of my life."

He looked so sincere back then. I really thought he loved me. I remembered when my father got hurt on patrol and Domine carried him all the way back, staying by his side all night and even using his "wages" to pay the medical bill. My father cried, calling him a good man.

But that "good man" had forgotten everything. He had forgotten the kindness of an old man who was now nothing but dust.

Sensing Domine’s hesitation, Ella suddenly grabbed his arm, her voice turning weak. "Domine... I feel dizzy..."

He immediately supported her. "What’s wrong?"

"I think my wound opened again... I don't have a wolf to heal me..." She started to cry. "I’m so scared. Am I going to die?"

She leaned into him, her touch possessive. "How is it such a coincidence? The moment you give me the herb, her father suddenly needs it? There are Silvermoon Flowers all over the apothecary shops—sure, they aren't as high-quality as yours, but how could he die that fast?"

"Is this just a trap to make me look bad? Does she hate me that much for having your attention?"

Domine pulled her closer. "No. I won't let her hurt you."

He looked up at me. The doubt was gone.

"Halen, I don't care what’s in that box. I don't believe he’s dead."

"You’re just bitter because I gave the flower to Ella, and you’re using this to punish me. It won't work. I'm taking Ella for her check-up."

He walked away, guiding her past me. Ella looked back over her shoulder, her lips curling into a triumphant smile. I stood there, clutching my father's ashes, shivering in the cold.

I walked back to my father’s cabin. Every step felt like I was carrying lead. The house was tiny—just a bed, a table, and a wardrobe. All twenty-year-old relics. I placed the urn on the table.

"Dad, we're home."

I started packing his things. Clothes. Shoes. Old junk he couldn't bear to toss. Under the bed, I found a wooden box covered in dust. Inside was a diary and a USB drive.

The cover of the diary read: Seeking Justice for My Daughter.

My hands trembled as I opened the first page.

Halen is sixteen. She came home today with a new scar on her back. She said she fell, but I know a silver burn when I see one. People at school say it’s Ella Whitmore. I wanted to go to the school and demand answers, but the Elders warned me. They said Ella is a former Elder’s daughter. A Delta like me has no right to accuse her. If I make trouble, they'll exile me. I can't leave Halen alone. But I won't let this go. I’ll gather evidence. One day, I will get her justice.

Page after page. Every entry was a record of my pain, written in my father's blood and sweat. My tears hit the paper. He knew. He knew about the bullying, the injuries, the agony. He couldn't protect me then because he was too weak, so he spent years gathering evidence in secret, hoping to one day set things right.

I wiped my eyes and plugged the USB into his old computer. There were hundreds of photos, dozens of videos, and recordings. Every file was a knife to the heart. Then, I found the most recent video.

It was the border woods. Ella was standing there, talking to a red-eyed Rogue.

"I gave you the items," Ella's voice was crystal clear. "Proceed as planned."

"Yes, Luna," the Rogue replied. "As soon as the old man shows up, I’ll take him out."

"Good." Ella smirked. "That bitch Halen has kept Domine from me for too long. It’s time she felt what it’s like to lose someone."

She pulled out a small vial.

"This is your payment. Drink it, and your strength will triple—enough to defeat any enemy."

Then, they went their separate ways.

Ella headed toward the center of the Moonlight Pack.

My father was hiding behind a tree, and he caught them in the middle of the deal.

But he accidentally snapped a branch.

*Crack—*

Ella turned around. She saw my father.

"Who's there?!"

My father turned and ran.

Ella let out a sharp whistle.

The Rogue lunged out from the woods and tackled my father.

The footage cut out.

The last few seconds showed my father's phone hitting the ground.

But the video had already automatically uploaded to the cloud.

My body was shaking.

So that was it.

Ella was the one who killed my father.

She thought the evidence died with him.

I kept digging. I found another video from three years ago—the day Ella supposedly "lost her wolf."

Ella was in a cave with a vial. "A temporary wolf-suppressant," she told the camera, grinning. "If I drink this, I can fake losing my wolf. Domine will be devastated."

"As for that idiot Halen, she’ll think she saved me. She won't know I was never poisoned. I just ate some harmless berries to look weak."

"She actually thinks she’s a hero."

Ella drank the potion, shivered, and collapsed. Seconds later, she got up and checked her pulse. "Perfect. My wolf is suppressed. Now I'm just a 'poor, defenseless girl.' Domine will never leave me."

"And Halen..." Her eyes turned venomous. "I won't let a low-life werewolf be better than me. I’ll take everything from her. Her job, her name, her love, her family. I won't leave her with anything."

The video ended. I sat there, my soul on fire.

So it was all just an act by Ella.

She lied to everyone, including Domine.

And I was the only victim.

I gripped the USB drive in my fist. This was it. The evidence that would shatter every lie she ever told. Evidence bought with my father’s life.

I touched the cold surface of his urn. "Thank you, Dad," I whispered. "Thank you for everything."

"I’ll use this to destroy them. I’ll make her pay, and I’ll make Domine realize exactly who he gave his heart to."

"I’ll make the whole pack see the truth."

I tucked the drive and the diary away. Something inside me had burned to ash and been replaced by a cold, hard flame. I wasn't the kind, weak Halen anymore. No more crying. No more begging. No more backing down.

#

One day left.

One day until Domine and Ella’s Mating Ceremony.

I returned to our rental. Domine wasn't there. A note sat on the table.

"Halen, I have to prep for tomorrow’s ceremony tonight. I’ll probably be back late. Dinner’s in the fridge—don't forget to eat. — D"

I looked at that note and laughed. It was a cold, bitter sound. I crumpled the paper into a ball and threw it in the trash. I went into the bedroom and started packing. Clothes. My diary. The USB drive and the evidence my father left behind. Tomorrow, I was leaving this place for good.

Halfway through packing, I heard footsteps outside. Domine was back. I checked the time: 1:00 AM. His steps were light, as if he were afraid of waking me. I lay back on the bed and closed my eyes, pretending to be asleep.

The door opened. Domine stood by the bed, watching me for a moment before turning and walking out. I heard him dialing a number in the living room.

"Ella? Still up?"

He was calling her. I held my breath.

"Is everything ready for tomorrow?" Domine’s voice was incredibly tender. "Don't be nervous. It’s going to be perfect."

I couldn't hear her response, but I could hear the flirtatious tone of her voice on the other end.

"Of course," Domine laughed. "Tomorrow, I’m marking you in front of the entire pack. You are my Luna. My only Luna."

My heart felt like it was being shredded. Even though I knew this was coming, hearing it with my own ears still felt like a physical blow.

"Halen?" Domine paused. "She doesn't suspect a thing."

"I’ll stick to the plan tomorrow. First, we finish the marking ceremony. Then, the Elders will announce a 'special treatment.' To restore your wolf, we’ll need to 'supplement' it with Halen’s wolf essence."

I froze. What?

"The whole pack will think we're doing it to save you," Domine continued. "Halen will be brought to the altar, and her wolf will be extracted in front of everyone. This serves two purposes: you get a powerful wolf and become a true Luna, and Halen will be completely stripped of her power. She’ll never be a threat to you again."

I heard a faint murmur from Ella. Domine laughed again. "No, she won't die. Once her wolf is extracted, she’ll just be a regular human. She’ll never be able to shift again."

"Yeah, basically a cripple. But she’ll be alive. Alive to watch us be together. Alive to regret everything she’s done."

Tears fell silently into my pillow. That was their plan. Strip me of my wolf to feed Ella. Make me a cripple and force me to watch their happiness as punishment for crimes I never committed.

"Silvermoon Flower?" Domine’s voice suddenly turned excited. "You like the incense? That’s great. I’ve already ordered the pack to buy up every last bloom in the territory. Every single one."

"I used my authority as Alpha to ban any apothecary from selling it to anyone else. Now you can fall asleep to that scent every single night."

My nails bit into my palms. Every last flower. He gave them all to Ella while my father died in agony because we couldn't find a single petal.

"It’s not too expensive," Domine said. "You deserve the best. What's money compared to your happiness? I’d give you the whole pack if you wanted it."

Ella must have said something sweet because Domine’s voice dropped even lower. "I love you too, Ella. Halen means nothing to me. She’s just a tool—a way to pay back what she owes. Once tomorrow is over, I don't have to play this part anymore."

They talked for a long time, nothing but sweet nothings. Finally, the call ended. I heard Domine let out a long sigh. Then he whispered to himself:

"I’m sorry, Halen."

My heart skipped a beat.

"But you owe Ella this. You’re the reason she lost her wolf. You have to pay. Once it’s over and her wolf is back, I’ll forgive you. I’ll keep you hidden, as my secret lover."

"I know you’re my fated mate. I can feel the pull of the bond. So I won't let you die, and I won't let you leave. You’ll stay by my side... it just can't be public. Ella can't know. The pack can't know. You’ll have to stay in the shadows, hidden away forever."

"But that’s fine. At least I’ll still have you."

There was a strange complexity in his voice. "It’s the best way," he said. "Ella gets what she wants. I get what I need. And you, Halen, you’ll finally atone for your sins. It’s better for everyone."

I closed my eyes. He wanted to lock me away as his secret toy. Force me to live in darkness for the rest of my life. He didn't realize that was a fate far more cruel than death.

I heard Domine go into the bathroom. The sound of the shower started. A while later, he came out and lay down on the other side of the bed. I could feel him watching me for a long time. Then he reached out, trying to pull me into his arms.

I snapped my eyes open and rolled away from his touch.

"Halen?" Domine was startled. "You’re awake?"

"Yeah," I sat up, keeping my back to him. "You woke me up."

"I’m sorry," he said. "I thought you were out."

He tried to move closer again. I stood up and walked over to the window.

"Halen? What’s wrong?"

"Nothing," I said flatly. "I just can't sleep."

"I'll stay with you then." Domine stood up and walked over behind me. He placed his hands on my shoulders. I could feel his heat and that familiar scent—a scent I used to love. Now, it just made me want to gag.

"Halen," Domine whispered. "Tomorrow is our ceremony. Are you happy?"

I smiled. "Very."

"Good." Domine sounded relieved. "I was worried you weren't. I’ve been looking forward to this for three years. I'm going to give you the most perfect, grand ceremony the pack has ever seen. Everyone will know you belong to me."

He sounded so tender, as if he actually loved me.

"Domine," I said suddenly.

"Yeah?"

"Do you really love me?"

He was silent for a few heartbeats. Then he turned me around to face him.

"Of course," he said, looking into my eyes. "I love you, Halen. I’ve never loved anyone like this. Why would you even ask?"

"No reason. Just nerves, I guess." I pushed him away. "I’m tired. I'm going back to bed."

"Halen—" He tried to grab my arm.

"Don't touch me," I snapped, pulling away.

"Why?" Domine frowned. "You're acting so strange tonight."

"I'm fine." I climbed back into bed and lay down with my back to him. "I'm just exhausted. I want to rest before tomorrow."

Domine stood by the bed for a long time before finally sighing and lying down.

"Fine," he said. "Get some rest. Tomorrow is going to be a beautiful day. I promise."

He reached out to hold me from behind. I moved to the very edge of the bed, putting as much distance between us as possible. He fell silent. His hand hung in the air for a moment before he slowly let it drop.

"Okay. Goodnight, Halen."

"Goodnight."

The room went dark. I listened to his breathing as it eventually evened out into sleep. I stayed wide awake, staring into the blackness. Everything I had just heard played on a loop in my mind.

Tomorrow, they were going to tear my wolf away. Tomorrow, Domine was going to mark Ella.

I wasn't going to let that happen. I felt the USB drive in my pocket.

Dad, I whispered in my mind. Tomorrow, I get our revenge. I promise.

I closed my eyes. This was my last night in this pack. I took a deep breath and pushed all my memories down deep. It was over. Tomorrow, I’d cut every tie to my past. Tomorrow, a new Halen would walk toward a brand new future.

#

It’s the night of the full moon.

The Moonlight Pack Temple has never been this crowded. Every single pack member is here, waiting for their Alpha, Domine Ashford, and the future Luna, Ella Whitmore, to complete their Mating Ceremony.

Silvermoon flowers cover the altar. Hundreds of them. It’s pathetic. These flowers were supposed to save my father’s life, but now they’re being used as mere decorations for Domine and Ella’s wedding.

I stand on the hillside outside the temple, watching the building glow with light from a distance. I’m clutching the small remote in my hand. The wind is freezing, whipping my hair across my face, but my heart is colder.

Music drifts out from the temple. The ceremony has begun.

I close my eyes, and the memories of that day flood back. Domine was lying in my arms, so weak he couldn't even open his eyes.

"What’s your name?" he asked.

"Halen Rhodes," I told him.

"Thank you for saving me, Halen."

Back then, his eyes looked so sincere. I actually thought I had found my fated mate. But it was all a lie.

I open my eyes and stare at the temple.

"Domine," I whisper. "I’m not coming to your ceremony. But I’m giving you a gift you’ll never forget."

---

Inside the temple, Domine stands at the altar. He’s dressed in formal Alpha robes, looking regal and commanding. Ella stands beside him in a pure white Luna gown. That twenty-million-gold necklace is draped around her neck, the Moon-Tear stones shimmering under the lights. She’s beaming.

The Head Elder stands up, his voice amplified by stones to reach every corner of the temple.

"We are gathered here today to witness the sacred union of Alpha Domine Ashford and Ella Whitmore. This is a blessing from the Moon Goddess. Let us celebrate these fated mates."

The room explodes into cheers and applause. Everyone is celebrating. Everyone is offering blessings.

Domine looks out at the crowd. There are so many people, but the one person he’s looking for isn't there. My absence is making him uneasy, but the ceremony has already started. He pushes his doubts aside.

The Elder continues, "Alpha Domine Ashford, do you take Ella Whitmore to be your Luna? Through thick and thin, for richer or poorer? Do you swear to protect her, cherish her, and love her forever?"

Domine looks at Ella. Her eyes are full of anticipation and love. He should say "I do," but for some reason, the words are stuck in his throat. He’s thinking of me. He remembers every meal I cooked, the songs I hummed while doing laundry, and the way I looked when I held him and said "I love you."

Suddenly, he feels empty inside, like a piece of him is missing.

"Alpha?" the Elder prompts.

Domine snaps out of it and takes a deep breath. "I do."

The Elder turns to Ella. "Ella Whitmore, do you take Domine Ashford to be your Alpha? In joy and sorrow, in health and sickness? Do you swear to support him, stay by his side, and love him forever?"

Tears stream down Ella’s face. "I do!" her voice rings out, loud enough for everyone to hear.

The Elder raises his hands. "Then, Alpha, complete the mark."

Domine walks toward Ella. He places his hands on her shoulders, leans down, and bites into her neck to leave his Alpha mark. The mate bond forms.

The crowd erupts in cheers, but Domine’s frown only deepens. The bond feels wrong. It’s fragile, like it could snap at any second. He looks at Ella. She’s smiling brightly, but suddenly, that smile feels strange to him. It feels fake.

The Elder announces, "I now pronounce Domine Ashford and Ella Whitmore as mates! Let us bless them!"

But right then—

The giant screens in the temple suddenly flicker to life. Everyone freezes. Domine turns to look at the screen.

The footage starts. It’s a cave. Ella is standing there, holding a small vial.

"A temporary wolf-suppressant," she says, holding up the bottle. "If I drink this, I can fake losing my wolf. Domine will be devastated. As for that idiot Halen..." Her eyes turn vicious. "She thinks she saved me, but I was never poisoned. I just ate some harmless berries to look weak. She actually thinks she’s a hero."

Ella downs the potion, her body shakes, and she falls to the ground. Then she climbs back up and checks herself over.

"Perfect. My wolf is suppressed," she laughs. "Now I’m just a 'poor, defenseless girl.' Domine will never leave me. And as for Halen..." Her smile gets even more cruel. "I won't let a low-life Delta’s daughter be better than me. I’m going to make her lose everything."

The video ends.

The room is dead silent as everyone stares at the screen, then at Ella. Ella’s face is ghost-white. She’s shaking. Domine is frozen, staring at the screen in total disbelief.

"No... that’s not... it’s not true..." Ella’s voice trembles. "It’s a fake!" she screams. "I never said those things!"

But nobody believes her, because the screen lights up again.

This time, it’s the pack border. In the woods, Ella is talking to a red-eyed Rogue.

"I gave you the stuff," Ella says. "Proceed as planned."

"Yes, Luna," the Rogue replies. "As soon as the old man shows up, I’ll take him out."

"Good," Ella smirks. "That bitch Halen has kept Domine from me for too long. It’s time she felt what it’s like to lose someone."

She hands over a small vial. "Drink this. It’ll hide your Rogue scent so you can sneak into the pack."

The Rogue takes the bottle and downs it. Then, my father is seen hiding behind a tree, filming. He snaps a branch. My father turns to run, and the Rogue lunges out of the brush and tackles him.

The screen goes black.

The temple explodes. People are screaming and roaring in rage.

"God! Ella was working with Rogues!"

"She murdered Rhodes!"

The Elders’ faces are livid. The Head Elder stands up and points at Ella.

"Ella Whitmore!" his voice shakes with rage. "You conspired with a Rogue! You murdered a pack member! This is a capital offense!"

Ella collapses to the floor, shivering, her lips turning white. "It wasn't me..."

But the screen isn't finished. A third video starts. It’s the medical center records. It clearly reads:

Patient: Domine Ashford

Injury: Silver burns, wolfsbane poisoning

Treating Healer: Halen Rhodes

Duration: 72 hours

My signature is right there at the bottom, followed by surveillance stills. The footage shows me bandaging Domine’s wounds. I stayed by his side for three days and nights without leaving for a second. Ella is nowhere to be found.

Domine stares at the records, looking like he’s been struck by lightning.

"So... it was Halen who saved me? Halen stayed with me for three days? And Ella... just took the credit?"

He turns to Ella, his eyes full of pure shock. "Ella, tell me this isn't real. Tell me you didn't lie to me."

Ella just shakes her head and cries. She can't say anything because the proof is undeniable.

The screen plays a fourth video. It’s high school. A montage of clips: Ella pressing a lit cigarette into my arm, locking me in a freezer, and rallying the class to isolate me.

The pack members start cursing.

"How could she do that?!"

"That poor girl..."

"Halen was bullied by her for three years! And we all believed Ella’s lies!"

The final video is my father’s last words. He’s lying in the hospital bed, his face pale and covered in Rogue bites. He uses his last bit of strength to speak.

"I saw it... Ella was with a Rogue... she gave him a potion... she’s trying to hurt Halen... Domine... don't believe Ella... she’s a liar... Halen is the one who saved you... it was always Halen..."

My father’s hand falls. His heart stops. The image freezes, then fades to black.

Finally, a line of text appears:

Domine, here’s a wedding gift for you and Ella. Enjoy your life together. — Halen Rhodes

The screen goes dark. The temple is deathly quiet as everyone processes what they just saw.

Then, Domine snaps.

"AAAAHHHHH!!!"

He lets out a primal roar. His eyes turn gold as his Alpha aura sweeps through the temple. Everyone drops to their knees, including the Elders. Only Ella remains upright because she’s already been marked; a Luna is immune to her Alpha’s aura.

Domine turns to Ella, his face twisted with pure rage.

"You lied to me," he says, his voice low and deadly. "You lied to me for years. You made me believe you were my savior. You made me believe Halen was the one hurting you. You let me torment her for three years."

He steps toward her. "I ruined her job. I destroyed her reputation. I’m the reason her father is dead. All because of you!"

Ella backs away. She sees the killing intent in Domine’s eyes. He really wants her dead.

"Domine... I..."

"You ruined everything!"

Domine lunges and grabs Ella by the throat, squeezing hard. Her face turns purple instantly. She struggles, but his grip is like iron.

"You destroyed Halen! You destroyed me! You destroyed everything we had!"

Domine’s grip gets tighter. Ella’s eyes start to roll back. She’s suffocating.

"Alpha Domine!" The Elders rush forward. "Stop! You’ve already completed the mark! Killing your own Luna is a high crime! The Alpha Council will execute you!"

But Domine isn't listening. He’s lost all reason. His wolf has taken over. He just wants to rip Ella apart and make her pay for everything.

"I don't care!" Domine roars. "She deserves to die!"

Four warriors rush in and struggle to pull him off. The Head Elder finally uses a calming spell. Domine freezes, his hand lets go, and Ella falls to the floor, coughing violently with bruises already forming on her neck.

Domine drops to his knees as the spell suppresses his wolf. He clutches his head, howling like a wounded animal. His wolf is screaming inside him: You lost our true mate! You idiot! You were blind! I despise you!

Domine struggles in agony. "I know... I know... it’s all my fault... it’s all my fault..."

He looks at Ella, his eyes filled with nothing but hate. "You ruined everything. I will never forgive you."

Ella lies on the ground, looking at Domine, and suddenly starts laughing hysterically.

"Hahaha—" Tears stream down her face as she laughs. "Domine, you really think this is all my fault? The one who truly hurt Halen was you!"

Domine freezes. Ella crawls up and points at him.

"It was you! You’re the one who accused her of bullying me! You’re the one who took away her job! You’re the one who wanted to drain her wolf! And while her father was dying, you were busy spending millions at an auction! You let her suffer through that loss all alone!"

Every word is a knife to Domine’s heart.

"I just gave you a nudge," she sneers. "But you’re the real killer! You’re the one who killed Halen’s father! You’re the one who hurt her the most!"

Ella laughs like a maniac. "Didn’t you enjoy everything I did? You watched her suffer for three years! You broke her with your own hands! What right do you have to hate me? You should hate yourself!"

Domine stands there, paralyzed. Ella’s words are like poison, eating away at his soul. Because she’s right. The person who hurt me the most was him. He’s the murderer. He’s the one who should die.

Domine tilts his head back and lets out a long, agonized scream that makes the entire temple tremble.

#